I saw something striking in John 2 after Jesus cleanses the temple (John 2.13 – 16). He is challenged by the Jews and offers an enigmatic reply.
So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. (John 2.18 – 21, ESV)
But the next sentence is the kicker. This is John’s gospel. John, who walked with Jesus for three years. What does John say about himself and his fellow followers?
When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2.22, ESV)
After the resurrection, the disciples believed. Think about that.
Rest assured, the greatest evidence of the resurrection of Jesus is that we have what we call the New Testament telling us about it. Without the resurrection, there wouldn’t have been anyone to write the New Testament!
Interesting!
Great point Bob. . . also, I take heart in the willingness of John and the other gospel writers to “tell on themselves.” He (John) did not have to self-disclose that it took the resurrection of their Lord Jesus Christ for them to believe fully. But, they were willing to be vulnerable and transparent to their own doubts and defects.
That should give us confidence and assurance of this good news that we hold in hand and in our hearts! Thanks!
Great observation, James. Thank you!